The Kansas City Chiefs slapped a franchise tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed before free agency and seemed to have every intention to trade him.
On that front, not much has changed. The Chiefs are continuing to engage teams in trade talks for Sneed, and they don’t appear all that willing to head into 2024 with Sneed making $19.8 million on the tag.
What has been altered, however, is the landscape in which a Sneed trade could potentially take place.
According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, the Kansas City and the Tennessee Titans had the framework of a deal in place for Sneed last week, but it fell apart because the Titans were unable to come to terms with Sneed on a long-term contract.
That could end up being a sticking point for a lot of possible suitors.
Apparently, Sneed is seeking a three or four-year deal that would make him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL.
Due to his asking price, the field of potential destinations for Sneed has shrunk, with formerly interested parties such as the New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings all dropping out of the race. The Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions have also expressed interest, although there have been no new reports on any progress—or regression—made between the Chiefs and those squads.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander is currently the highest-paid player at his position, earning $21 million annually. Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins and Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns come in at $20 million. Four other corners make at least $19 million a year.
The problem with Sneed’s demands is that, while he has a championship pedigree, he has never made a Pro Bowl appearance.
Kansas City is aiming to land a second-round draft pick (at least) in return for L’Jarius Sneed, but if he holds firm to his asking price, it may prove too exorbitant of a cost overall for rival teams.
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